INDIANS PRACTICE WITH FULL DECK

Although he was not that happy with the overall conditioning, Southeast Missouri State University football coach John Mumford was generally pleased after Wednesday's opening of full-squad workouts.

But Mumford realizes what transpires over the first three days of practice -- which is limited to light contact in shoulder pads and helmets -- won't count nearly as much as what happens beginning Saturday. That's when full-contact, full-pad workouts begin.

The Indians, coming off a 4-7 season, had two practices Wednesday, in the morning and late afternoon. Two-a-days will continue until school begins Aug. 24.

"We had a lot of bounce in our step during the morning practice but we got a little tired in the afternoon," said Mumford Wednesday evening after the first round of two-a-days had ended. "Overall, I don't think we're in great shape. We have some individuals in great shape, but we have a wide range in our team conditioning.

"But the focus and intensity is very good. The carry over of our veterans is good and the learning ability of our new players is very good."

Added Mumford, "We have a ways to go. But Saturday, when we put on the full pads and really get after it, is when the depth cart will really start falling into place."

Wednesday marked the first day that the entire Southeast team was on the practice field together, although the freshmen and other newcomers had two-a-days Sunday and Monday.

"It's an impressive group of newcomers," Mumford said. "The freshmen look really good."

Looking good Wednesday -- at least physically -- were three players who are trying to bounce back from serious injuries.

Fullback Britt Mirgaux out of Scott City High School, Southeast's leading rusher each of the past two seasons, is coming off spring knee surgery. He practiced without a knee brace Wednesday.

"I feel good," said Mirgaux, who gained 492 yards last year. "It's not giving me any problems at all. I'm ready to go."

Quarterback Kevin Ceto, a junior-college transfer who suffered a shoulder injury early in the spring, has also been deemed fit, as has linebacker Terrance Sterling out of Cape Central High School. Sterling, a part-time starter in 1996, missed all of last season with a leg injury.

"All of them look good," said Mumford. "I think they've bounced back well."

Jeff Shaw enters fall camp as the starting quarterback, but Mumford said Ceto and two local redshirt freshman -- Bobby Brune of Cape Central and Mike Gross of Jackson -- will wage a battle for the position.